Review - Genesis GV80 vs BMW X5

It’s a particularly interesting comparison when you consider the GV80 was seemingly designed to undercut the European establishment on price, however, it’s by no means a cheap SUV in itself, with some variants actually on par when it comes to price. 

With that in mind, which is the better option when it comes to price, driving comfort, practicality, and both entertainment & safety features? Let’s find out.

How Much Do They Cost?

The Genesis GV80 is the cheapest option of the pair, with the lineup kicking off from $92,000 for the entry-level GV80 2.5T rear-wheel drive; opting for the all-wheel drive raises the price to $97,000. 

Stepping up to the GV80 3.0D AWD brings the price to $105,000, while the flagship GV80 3.5T AWD is priced at $109,500. 

BMW’s cheapest X5 is priced at $104,400 for the entry-level X5 xDrive25d, while the xDrive30d is priced at $121,900 and the xDrive40i is priced at $124,900. 

The X5 range stretches out to $135,400 for the xDrive45e, while the M50i Pure is priced at $142,900 and the M50i is priced at $157,900. The flagship X5 comes in the form of the X5 M Competition which is priced at $212,900. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs. 

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Genesis GV80 (2.5T RWD 5 SEAT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Genesis GV80 car page.

BMW X5 (xDRIVE25d) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check BMW X5 car page.

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Using OnlineAuto’s car buying service, our car sourcing specialists can help you find the best value model for you. 

What Features Do They Have?

Both the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80 come packed with a generous list of premium equipment. 

For the sake of comparison, we’ll stick to the BMW X5 xDrive25d to keep the majority of our features list comparable- as the two are matched on price. 

The BMW X5 xDrive25d comes riding on 20-inch alloys, and receives adaptive LED headlights, adaptive suspension, leatherette upholstery with heated sport seats, a powered boot lift, head-up display, ambient lighting, a surround-view camera with parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, sat-nav, DAB+ radio and wireless smartphone charging. 

Upgrading through the X5 range adds premium features like a panoramic sunroof, Vernasca & Merino leather upholstery, upgraded brakes, air suspension and exhaust packages, 22-inch alloys, laserlight headlights and significantly more powerful engine options. 

For the same money as the xDrive25d, the Genesis GV80 comes riding on 22-inch alloys. It receives adaptive suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, LED headlights, a surround-view camera, panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, wood trim for the interior, adaptive cruise control, heated & ventilated seats, a head-up display and a 14.5-inch infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, DAB+ radio, and wireless smartphone charging.  

Genesis GV80 Colours

The Genesis GV80 is available in Vik Black, Cardiff Green, Uyani White, Savile Silver, Adriatic Blue, Barossa Burgundy and Himalayan Grey, and optional matte finishes in Brunswick Green, Melbourne Grey and Matterhorn White. 

BMW X5 Colours

The BMW X5 range is available in Alpine White, Carbon Black, Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Ametrine, Pyrite Brown, Ruby Black, Phytonic Blue, Sunstone, Tananzite Blue II and Arctic Grey. 

Are They Comfortable to Drive?

For the sake of our comparison, we’ll be looking at the Genesis GV80 3.0D and the BMW X5 xDrive25d which are matched on price, and use a very similar powertrain. 

For reference, Genesis offers three engines across the GV80 lineup, while BMW offers six different engine configurations across the X5 lineup; one of which receives a plug-in hybrid setup. 

The GV80 3.0D is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel inline-six unit that produces 204kW of power and 588Nm of torque, which is thrown to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the added benefit of an electronic limited-slip differential. 

The BMW X5 xDrive25d receives a smaller 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder that produces 170kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with power thrown to all four wheels via an eight-speed torque converter transmission. 

This makes the Genesis GV80 the more powerful of the two, however, this comes at the expense of fuel efficiency thanks to the X5’s smaller capacity diesel engine. 

The driving experience in both the X5 and GV80 are sublime, with both receiving adaptive suspension packages that work to provide a silky-smooth ride quality. Note that this comes as standard in the X5, but requires you to upgrade to the GV80 3.0D or 3.5T. 

In terms of overall driving refinement, comfort, and sophistication, the BMW is hard to beat, but the GV80 has closed the gap to such a degree that it’s difficult to separate the two in terms of comfortable, smooth, and user-friendly driving both around town and on long-distance trips. 

Are They Practical and Spacious?

Designed for families in mind, both the GV80 and X5 platforms lend themselves perfectly to the needs of busy families and offer a stylish, premium, and a practical interior with a heap of entertainment tech. 

Buyers will not be disappointed by the levels of sophistication and the sense of space in the front of the cabin in both the X5 and GV80. 

The GV80 comes packed with leather upholstery and a sleek wooden dashboard housing the large infotainment system and a handful of climate controls, while there’s a huge array of storage options in the central tunnel and inside the folding armrest.  

There are absolutely no issues in terms of headroom for taller drivers, with a fully-adjustable driving position that gains heated and ventilated seats inside the GV80. The sense of space continues in the second row, which can be optioned in a five and seven-seat configuration, depending on your needs.

The Genesis GV80 has a boot capacity rated at 727L, which is slightly larger than the BMW X5’s boot space of 650L, while both receive ISOFIX anchors on either side of the cabin for child seats.  

Moving to the BMW X5, you’ll find a more subdued approach to interior packaging that remains undeniably premium.

Buyers can expect a straightforward cabin featuring leatherette upholstery in the base model and Vernasca leather as you step up higher into the range, with a pair of digital displays and an impressive amount of storage options for families. 

The heated front sports seats are supportive and comfortable on longer journeys, while the driving position is fully-adjustable. The package is somewhat understated in the base model, however, stepping higher into the range adds an endless amount of premium gear inside. 

The second row of the X5’s cabin greets you with a comfortable bench seat with a heap of legroom for tall passengers, while there is an impressive amount of headroom that adds to the sense of space in the rear of the cabin. 

For the money, the GV80 receives a heap of premium appointments and features, making for a great value pick in terms of occupant space and comfort, while the X5 upholds BMW’s firm reputation as a premium manufacturer inside and out. 

Are They Safe?

Both the BMW X5 and Genesis GV80 have been awarded five-star ANCAP safety ratings, making them great options for those looking for a safe and well-equipped SUV. 

The BMW X5 scored 89% for adult occupant protection while recording 87% for child protection, 75% for pedestrian protection, and 71% for its safety assist technologies. 

The Genesis GV80 scored a comparative 91% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child protection, 66% for pedestrian protection, and 79% for safety assist, giving it a slightly higher ANCAP score overall. 

As standard, both the X5 and GV80 receive autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and curtain airbags inside the cabin and more. 

Are They Fuel Efficient?

Benefitting from a smaller-capacity turbo-diesel powertrain and a legacy of well-refined engines, the BMW X5 comes out on top when it comes to fuel economy. 

Officially, the Gensis GV80 3.0D is rated at 8.8L/100km on a combined cycle, which increases from 9.8L/100km in the base petrol and up to 11.7L/100km in the range-topping 3.5T. 

Compared to the BMW X5’s fuel economy figure of just 6.7L/100km in the xDrive25d and 7.2L/100km in the xDrive30d, BMW takes the economy cake. 

Keep in mind that upgrading to the X5 xDrive40i raises fuel economy to 9.2L/100km, while the range-topping M50i Competition consumes fuel at 12.5L/100km. 

The Verdict: Genesis GV80 vs BMW X5

As an all-around value proposition, it’s hard to deny just how attractive the GV80’s package is when it comes to comprehensively ticking the boxes of driving refinement, and generous equipment lists, all while undercutting its major rivals, including the BMW X5. 

Having said that, though, BMW’s entry-level X5 offers a heap of features and retains the typical levels of sophistication we’ve come to expect from the company while matching the mid-spec GV80 3.0D on price. 

It’s a difficult one to judge, but objectively speaking, the value for money on offer with the GV80 package makes it a more logical buy over the X5. Factoring in the GV80’s more generous ownership package also means that the Genesis is a seemingly better long-term option, however, both are incredibly impressive premium SUVs for the family. 

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Genesis GV80 & BMW X5 Competition